Tips for finding swimming scholarships for college?

I'm a swimmer looking to continue my sport in college and would love to secure a swimming scholarship. Does anyone have suggestions on what colleges offer these scholarships and how to apply for them?

As a swimmer who's seeking to secure a scholarship, you're already in a promising position since many colleges in the U.S. offer scholarship programs for student-athletes. Here are a few tips:

1. Ensure your athletic prowess: The first step to earning a swimming scholarship is to prove your capability in the sport. Your athletic qualifications matter significantly as colleges prefer athletes who can contribute to the team's performance. That means that for a strong application, you'll want to continually push your swimming capabilities and aim for consistently improving times.

2. Check out NCAA schools: Colleges that are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) offer the most scholarships for student-athletes. These include Division I and II schools, while Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. You can check the rosters and recruit information on their athletic department websites.

3. Create a recruitment profile: A recruitment profile can serve as a resume of sorts that showcases your academic and athletic accomplishments. You could include your best swim times, academic transcript, AP/ACT/SAT scores, and any awards or accolades you have received. Keep this profile updated throughout your high school career.

4. Establish communication: Reach out to the college athletic coaches directly. You can find their contact information on the team's website. Introduce yourself, express your interest in their program, and provide link to your recruitment profile. Keeping up regular communication with coaches can keep you on their radar.

5. Look into non-NCAA schools: If you're willing to think beyond the NCAA, consider schools in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). NAIA schools tend to have smaller athletic budgets than NCAA schools, but they also typically have fewer applicants, which might increase your chances of earning a scholarship.

6. Consider working with a recruitment service: Signing up with a recruitment service can also be beneficial. They have contacts with various colleges and can promote your capabilities to these colleges on your behalf.

Just remember - ultimately, you want to choose a school that is the best fit for you, not just athletically but also academically and personally. So, while the allure of a scholarship can be strong, remember to consider the overall environment and what you want to gain from your college experience.